The Anthropocene Laboratory is a new program at the Academy, starting in 2023. The aim is to develop scientific understanding and synthesis of the Anthropocene biosphere, by working across the sciences and the humanities, engage with actors outside of academia to stimulate change, and help foster a new generation of transdisciplinary sustainability scientists. Located in Stockholm, Sweden, the laboratory consists of researchers and facilitators, with a director reporting to the Secretary General of the Academy, guided by a Scientific Committee. The Anthropocene Laboratory is one among several sustainability science efforts in Stockholm that interact and collaborate.
The laboratory is a collaborative team with an ability to work across scientific disciplines and between science and practice. The main function is to bring together international scholars that combine diverse perspectives and skills, tools, and competencies for a more holistic understanding of the Anthropocene biosphere, our home on planet Earth, thereby exploring challenges and opportunities of advancing science for sustainability in an era of increased interconnectivity, social-ecological turbulence, and inequalities.
We are looking for colleagues with an international and interdisciplinary interest, with documented experience in understanding and relating to the Anthropocene biosphere, and with a willingness to explore emergence in new scientific constellations. The laboratory strives to experiment, with the hope to discover new systemic interactions.
We are committed to diversity, equity, and representation – not because it looks good on paper but because it is essential for an ability to comprehend and engage with the Anthropocene. We encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for the position.
The working language is English, but all additional languages are regarded as assets.
Employments are based at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, Sweden. Employees with citizenship outside the EU require a residence permit decision from the Swedish Migration Agency prior to the start of employment.
Researchers – two positions, two years (full time)
You will work closely with the Director, the Chair of the Scientific Committee, and other colleagues. Your main tasks will be to conduct your research in collaboration with other members of the Lab, develop international networks of collaborators and help expand the strategic direction of the Lab. You will support the career development of postdocs and research assistants by working together with them. You may have recently finished your postdoc in a sustainability-related field and are now interested in exploring the complexities of the Anthropocene biosphere, with a wider scope than what you are used to. Consequently, we welcome candidates from the natural and social sciences, the humanities, and from artists involved in artistic research. We want you to develop your ideas clearly and succinctly in your application.
Your qualifications
You are a skilled professional in your field and have experience in conducting high quality research. You are a team player, you work hard, and have a demonstrated ability to engage across disciplines and knowledge systems. In your application, please provide a description of why you consider yourself suitable for this position and what you think you can bring to the Laboratory.
Application
We look forward to your application! Please submit your personal letter, a CV, a two-page research proposal, and max two letters of recommendation to henrik.osterblom@kva.se.
Deadline for application: May 31, 2025
Intended starting date: September 1, 2025 (flexible)
Contact
Please contact Prof. Henrik Österblom henrik.osterblom@kva.se (Director at the Anthropocene Laboratory) or Prof. Carl Folke carl.folke@beijer.kva.se (Chair of the Scientific Committee) for further questions.
